Abscess Info

[bandito5575]

Hello,

I had an abscess drained on Monday and I noticed there was still a lump, so I freaked out and went back to my doctor Thursday. He claims that is normal and it will take about 4 weeks for it to drain out and go away. Is this true? I mean, didn't he DRAIN it already and it shouldn't be there anymore?? I am on Cipro in the meantime. I am kinda freaking out because I don't have health insurance and will opt for surgery if it is still present in a month or so. I look forward to anyone's advice and experiences.
Thanks,
Michele

 

[Essieluv]

Even after surgical drainage, an abscess can take a long time to completely go away. My Colorectal surgeon told me that an abscess can drain (and still have a small lump) for three months, and that's just for a tiny one. EWWW! The Cipro will help in holding off any further infection/fistula formation and promote healing for the abscess. I wouldn't worry about it, just give it time. If it's still like that in a month, then you might want to ring up your doctor.

 

[Rocking on]

I have an abscess and i went in for surgery about a year ago. When I woke up it was like they had done nothing. The surgeon told me they made an internal incision and it would drain that way. It didnt. I went back a month later and this time the doc cut me without putting me under. Sucked! Still did nothing.

Now a fistula has formed from the abscess to a "pimple" near my anus. It drains that way now, and still my doctors (mayo!) are hesitant to do anything. They seem happy it is draining externally, but this has been going on for over a year and forces me to wear depends whenever i put the suit on.

Last month i went back to mayo, and they seemed to say that surgery was an optional decision. I really dont get it. 6 years ago i had the same thing, they cut it, i had to deal with the extreme pain of packing and unpacking it, but it healed fairly quick.